Thailand national team manager Nualphan Lamsam has claimed she has the support of 60 Thai league clubs in her bid to become the next president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).
Nualphan, affectionately called "Madam Pang" by the Thai media, officially launched her election campaign themed "Better Together: Team Thailand" at a press conference in Bangkok on Monday.
Nualphan, also a former manager of the national women's side, said she would officially file her candidacy at the FAT headquarters on Wednesday.
She said she is backed by Thai League 1 giants Buriram United, BG Pathum United, Muang Thong United, Chonburi and Chiang Rai United, among other clubs.
As manager of the national men's team, she has helped the War Elephants win the Asean title twice.
The national women's side reached the World Cup finals twice in 2015 and 2019 when Nualphan was manager.
The FAT presidential election will take place on Feb 8 next year when incumbent association chief Somyot Poompunmuang relinquish his post on the same day.
It's not clear yet whether Somyot will seek re-election or not.
Nualphan, 57, told the press conference that she will step down as chairwoman of Thai League 1 title contenders Port on Dec 25, the last day of the tournament's first half of the season when Port host Ratchaburi.
She added that her first task would be to bring about unity in Thai football.
"We can see that of late, the FAT has been divided into many groups," said Nualphan.
"I'll bring everyone together and work for the good of Thai football.
"There are 60 football clubs who have pledged their support for me in my bid to become the Football Association of Thailand president.
"Although I am a woman, I have been dealing with Thai football for 16 years which is a clear reflection of my love for the sport. I will soon start visiting all the voting clubs and explain my plans and policies to them.
"But first let me submit my nomination papers on Wednesday."
Nualphan also unveiled members of her team at the press conference, saying that she has appointed Buriram United chairman Newin Chidchob as her advisor.
Newin previously backed Somyot to become FAT chief.
Nualphan named Pawin Bhirombhakdi (BG Pathum United), Anop Sintothong (Chonburi), former Thailand futsal team manager Adisak Benjasiriwan, former national team coach Chanwith Phalajivin and Viluck Lohthong (Muang Thong United) as her candidates for the posts of deputy FAT chairmen.
Former Thailand striker Piyapong Pue-on, Somran Nualma, Kitibodee Pravitra, Anuruth Nakasai, Lertsak Pattanachaikul, Napatsanan Phannipa, Pramoonchai Nopsuwanwong, Pornthep Mamanee, Songkiat Limarunrak, Miti Tiyapairat, Tanawat Nitikanjana, Kritsaya Poomongkolsuriya and Kudan Sukumanon were nominated for elections to the FAT central committee.